ZION INFORMER

Zion Baptist Church, 801 Washington Street, Columbia, SC 29201-3115 zionbchurch@yahoo.com / www.zion-baptist-church.com

DECEMBER 2018

From Your Pastor THE ULTIMATE GIFT

Gift giving is honorable and a exciting tradition for the holiday season for many people. Some are trying to find the perfect gift to give for their friends and family. Others are awaiting the perfect gift to receive. As Christians it’s imperative to remember what the Ultimate gift is. The Ultimate gift is Jesus the Christ. The word Ultimate in this context is referring to the best. God gave us his best through giving us his son Jesus the Christ!

The Ultimate gift was not wrapped with beautiful wrapping paper, but it was wrapped in swaddling clothes. The Ultimate gift was not presented under a beautiful decorated Christmas tree, but it was born in a manger. Unlike other gifts, the Ultimate gift is not given by those who paid lots of money to purchase it. The Ultimate gift that God gave is available to all those who believe. The Gospel of John 3:16 says “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believe shall not per-ish.”

Therefore, the Ultimate gift does not tarnish, it does not fade or lose value over time. The Ultimate Gift has an eternal value. The Gospel of John mentions that the outcome of receiving the gift is eternal life. The Ultimate gift is filled with light, love and life for all who is willing to receive it. The song entitled ‘Joy to the World’ lyrics gives a good description of how to receive the Ultimate gift “Joy to the world, the Lord is come Let earth receive her King Let every heart prepare Him room.” Zion during this holiday sea-son remember that an abundance of Joy comes with the Ultimate gift. Receive the Ultimate gift and give the Ultimate gift as it’s big enough for the entire World.

Pastor Davis

Vision Statement

“Victorious People” The vision is to minister to people by Remembering our History, Rendering Help while Reaching forward with Hope to be victorious in our future demonstrating a unwavering love, steadfast faith and effective witness.

Remembering our History Rendering Help

Reaching forward with Hope

Diane McRae Dea. Derrick Brown Ashley Etheredge George D. Simmons Tom Whitney Joan B. Mobley Kenneth W. Burkley Charles D. Brice Elizabeth Hall Anna Trapp Corley Kenzil Summey Tori Boyd Nidiyah McDuffie Pastor M. A. Davis Dea. Wilson Mack JESUS CHRIST 25 Donald O. Counts Jayna Martin Joyce Flynn Doris Brown

PASTOR DAVIS 1ST PASTORAL ANNIVERSARY

Lewis P. & Tara Graham, Jr. 01

James & Gwen Richardson 06

Charles & Donna Brice 21

Thomas B. & Shirley Levy , Sr. 23

Rev. Israel & Cynthia Gist 29

Kingsley & Shenika Waring 29

Dea. Frank & Sherry Moore 30

Zion Baptist Church celebrated Pastor M. Andrew Davis’ first pastoral anniversary on Sunday, November 11, 2018 during morning worship services with the theme “Won’t He Do It,” Ephesians 4:11-12. The festivities kicked off on Wednesday evening, November 7, with a pre-anniversary service. The speaker for the occasion was Rev. Dr. Anthony A. McCallum of Bethlehem Baptist Church, Colum-bia, SC. His message was taken from Jeremiah 12:5; “A Word for the Watchmen.” He admonished that watchmen are God’s mouthpiece and (1) should always watch and pray; (2) stay on the wall and (3) put on the whole armor. The speaker for Sunday morning services, Rev. Edward Davis, is the Senior Pastor of Gum Springs Missionary Baptist Church in Page-land, SC, and he happens to be Pastor Davis’ uncle. His message “A Resume Worth Having” was taken from Isaiah 6:1-7. He indicated (1) God wanted Isaiah to know he was calling him into prophecy minis-try; (2) he had purging power; and (3) he was purpose-driven by God. During the services Pastor Davis was humbly surprised by Rep. Leon Howard, Chairman, House Medical, Military, Public and Munici-pal Affairs Committee Richland County, District 76 as he was present-ed with a framed South Carolina House of Representatives Resolution acknowledging his first year anniversary at the historical Zion Baptist Church which was accompanied with a personal letter. He was also presented with a gift box from his Zion family, and we were immensely entertained by guest vocalist Ms. O’Landra Nowell. What a day of celebration….singing, praising and giving God the Glory. The day completed with a delicious meal prepared by the kitchen staff. CONGRATULATIONS PASTOR DAVIS ON YOUR FIRST YEAR ANNIVERSARY!!!

Upcoming Events December 5—Worship on Wednesday; 7:00 p.m.

December 11—Women of Wisdom Ministry Christmas Social; 6:00 p.m.

December 13—Music Ministry Christmas Social; 6:00 p.m.

December 15—Arsenal Hill Circle Christmas Luncheon; 11:00 a.m.

December 16—Sunday School Christmas Program; 10:00 a.m.

December 21—First Day of Winter

December 25—CHRISTMAS DAY

December 29—Clothes Givea-way/Homeless Feeding; 10:00 a.m./11:00 a.m.

December 31– Watch Night Services; New Ebenezer; 10:00 p.m.

Sunday School Lessons

DECEMBER 2 “Love and Devotion” Deuteronomy 6:1-9

DECEMBER 9 “Choose to Love and

Serve God” Joshua 24:1-3, 13-15,

21-24

DECEMBER 16 “Love and Worship God” Psalm 103:1-17, 21-22

DECEMBER 23 “Jesus: God’s Loving

Promise” Luke 1:26-31; 2:22,

25-35

DECEMBER 30 “Modeling God’s Love”

Matthew 25:31-46

Scripture “But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.” Galatians 4:4-5

GOOD NEWS Two of our own, Alana Fluker and Ka’mara Nelson participated in the 2018 Little Miss Green and White Pageant. The event, hosted by the Columbia Branch of the National Associa-tion of University Women, took place Sunday, November 11th at the Heyward Conference Center. Both of these young ladies were sponsored by Sister Doretha Thompson. They did a phenomenal job and their Zion church family couldn’t be happier. CONGRATULATIONS ALANA & KA’MARA !!!

FROM THE ENTIRE

NEWSLETTER

MINISTRY !!

ZION CAN BE REACHED @ …... Twitter @ZionBCCOLASC Instagram @zionbccolasc Facebook @ZionBaptist

Thursday Morning Prayer / 7:00-7:15 a.m. / 1-641-715-3395 / AC 511288#

Interested in Substitute Teaching

RICHLAND SCHOOL DISTRCT TWO

Retired Educators/Professionals/Military Spouses

To Apply Please Visit WWW.RICHLAND2.ORG

For Additional Information, please contact

Lori Lewers 803-738-3258 or llewers@richland2.org

Delphine Scott 803-738-3259 or descott@richland2.org

Effective January 1, 2019, only clear bags will be allowed at Richland Two varsity athletic events and junior varsity events held prior to a varsity event. Thanks for help-ing us continually improve and advance safety and security measures.

Tuesday, December 4, 2018 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Did you know students can experience their future career through Richland Two's Career and Technology Education (CATE) programs? They can earn industry accredited certifications in some programs by the time they graduate high school. Here are a few examples of the programs we offer: Health Science, 3D Printing & Design, Sports Medicine, EMS/Firefighting, Cosmetology, Graphic Publishing, Culinary Arts, Automotive Technology, Engineering, and Computer Science. Please drop by the CATE EXPO on December 4 at R2i2 (763 Fashion Drive, Columbia 29229) to find out more information on these exciting programs and certifications.